"REGAL EAGLE"

American Bald Eagle - 7 Photos

Was fortunate to spot one adult American Bald Eagle and two youngsters in one tree. One would assume this would be the two offspring of the adult as they were all hanging out together very amicably. 

Did not have an opportunity to grab a shot of all three (one of the disadvantages of the long lens) but did manage a shot of one Immature and one Adult, (Photo #1)  before the Immature flew off to join its sibling somewhere downriver.

The adult must have eaten well some time that day as it hung out for an extremely long time. The weather, again, was a bit bleak with snow in the air but with some sun trying to shine out from behind the clouds.  The eagle seemed more concerned about surveying its surroundings and keeping warm, which probably worked better for the feathered subject than the two legged photographer :) (Photos #2, 3 & 4).

I have an adage - "You can't sneak up on a Bald Eagle (because of their extraordinary eyesight), you must be granted an audience." That came to mind when a raven landed in the tree down from the adult (Photos #5 & 6).  In Photo #5, it almost looks like the raven is bowing its head in reverence and permission. In Photo #6, it has raised its head to meet the eagle eye to eye, having patiently waited.

And certainly, this is one Regal Eagle (Photo #7), having fluffed up against the cold wind and its feathers speckled with snow, it appears to have donned a royal mantle.

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7